Our retreats typically span 3-4 days and include 2-3 Ayahuasca ceremonies.

You'll experience a supportive environment with experienced facilitators guiding you through the process.

The retreat includes preparation sessions, the ceremonies themselves, and integration activities.

We provide comfortable accommodations and nutritious meals aligned with the Ayahuasca diet.

There's time for personal reflection, group sharing circles, and complementary activities like yoga, breathwork sessions, or nature walks.

Our team is available 24/7 to ensure your safety and support your journey.

Post-retreat, we offer integration support to help you process your experiences and apply insights to your daily life.

We currently host 25-30 retreats annually across several locations in the United States.

Our primary retreat areas include Southern California, Hawaii, and select locations in the Midwest and Texas.

The diverse locations allow us to serve a wide range of participants while offering unique environmental energies for the retreat experience.

We're continuously exploring new locations to make our retreats more accessible while ensuring each site meets our high standards for safety and ambiance.

Our retreat prices vary depending on location, but typically start at $1,100 per person (including deposit).

This cost covers paying the indigenous ceremony leaders, accommodation, meals, ceremony participation, group activities, and basic integration support.

We strive to balance affordability with the need to provide high-quality, safe experiences and fair compensation for our team.

We offer options to make retreats more accessible, including occasional scholarships for those in financial need.

The investment reflects the intensive nature of the experience, the small group sizes we maintain, and the comprehensive support provided before, during, and after the retreat.

Ayahuasca is a traditional plant medicine from the Amazon rainforest, used for centuries by indigenous communities for healing and spiritual purposes.

It's typically brewed by combining two plants: the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the leaves of the Psychotria viridis shrub (or other DMT-containing plants).

The resulting brew contains DMT, a powerful psychedelic compound, and MAO inhibitors that allow the DMT to be orally active.

When consumed in a ceremonial context, Ayahuasca can induce an altered state of consciousness characterized by intense visions, emotional experiences, and personal insights.

Many people describe it as a profound and often transformative experience that can offer deep healing and self-discovery.

The legal status of Ayahuasca in the United States is complex.

Ayahuasca contains DMT, a Schedule I controlled substance, making it generally illegal under federal law.

However, some religious organizations have obtained exemptions for sacramental use under religious freedom protections.

Hummingbird Church operates as a religious organization, which provides certain protections for our ceremonial use of Ayahuasca.

We prioritize safety, ethical conduct, and transparency in all our operations.

We encourage participants to research and understand the current legal context and make informed decisions about participation.

When used in a controlled setting with proper screening and guidance, Ayahuasca can be safe for most healthy individuals.

However, it's not suitable for everyone.

Ayahuasca can interact dangerously with certain medications and health conditions.

It's crucial to disclose all medical information during the screening process.

Physical effects can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which are often seen as part of the purification process. Psychologically, it can bring up intense emotions or memories.

While many find ayahuasca beneficial, it's a powerful substance that should be approached with respect and caution.

Our protocols include thorough medical screenings, experienced facilitation, and ongoing support to maximize participant safety.

Hummingbird Church cannot, and does not provide medical advice.

Please check out our Medication Information Guide to learn more about how Ayahuasca can be impacted by the use of different herbs, prescription medicines and illegal substances.

Although this list is extensive, it is not all inclusive, and does not replace medical advice. Please talk to your personal doctor or healthcare provider if you have specific questions or concerns.

Many participants report significant benefits from Ayahuasca experiences, although it's important to note that effects can vary widely.

Potential benefits include profound personal insights, emotional healing, and resolution of past traumas.

Some people find relief from depression, anxiety, and addiction.

Others report spiritual growth, increased self-awareness, and a deeper connection to nature and others.

Ayahuasca may enhance creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Some studies suggest it could have therapeutic potential for certain mental health conditions.

However, these benefits often depend on proper preparation, set and setting, and integration work following the experience.

It's not a magic cure-all, but rather a tool for personal growth and healing.

While Ayahuasca can offer profound benefits, and while adverse reactions to Ayahuasca are rare, it's important to be aware of the potential risks.

Physical risks can include increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can be dangerous for people with cardiovascular conditions.

Ayahuasca can interact negatively with certain medications, especially SSRIs and MAOIs.

Psychologically, the intense nature of the experience can be overwhelming, potentially exacerbating conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

There's also a risk of experiencing difficult emotions or traumatic memories.

In rare cases, some people may experience prolonged psychological distress.

It's crucial to participate in well-managed settings with experienced facilitators who can provide proper support and intervene if necessary.

Our extensive intake questionnaire is designed to screen for any potential contraindications to ensure the safety of all of our participants.

Ensuring participant safety is our top priority.

We implement a comprehensive approach that begins with thorough medical and psychological screenings to identify any potential risks.

Our ceremonies are led by experienced facilitators trained in handling various situations that may arise.

We maintain a controlled, supportive environment with an appropriate participant-to-staff ratio.

Our team includes individuals with medical training, and we have established emergency protocols.

We provide extensive pre-retreat preparation and on-site support throughout the experience.

Our Ayahuasca is sourced from trusted, ethical suppliers to ensure quality and purity.

We also emphasize integration support post-retreat to help participants process their experiences safely.

All our practices adhere to strict ethical guidelines and safety standards developed in consultation with experts in the field.

While many people can safely participate in Ayahuasca ceremonies, it's not suitable for everyone.

Contraindications include certain medical conditions like heart problems, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder.

It's not safe for people taking specific medications, particularly SSRIs and MAOIs.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not participate.

We also screen for psychological readiness – ayahuasca is intense and not recommended for those in fragile mental states.

Age restrictions may apply.

Each potential participant undergoes a thorough screening process to ensure their safety.

Ultimately, participation is a personal decision that should be made in consultation with healthcare providers and the retreat facilitators.

The ayahuasca experience can vary widely between individuals and even between different ceremonies for the same person.

Generally, effects begin 30-60 minutes after consumption and can last 4-6 hours.

Physically, it often induces purging through vomiting or diarrhea, which is seen as a cleansing process.

Many experience vivid visuals with eyes closed, ranging from geometric patterns to complex scenes or entities.

Emotionally, it can bring up a wide range of feelings, from bliss and peace to fear or sadness.

Many report a sense of receiving personal insights or messages, revisiting memories, or experiencing death and rebirth themes.

Some describe mystical experiences or a sense of connection with nature or the universe.

The experience can be intense and challenging but is often described as ultimately meaningful and transformative.

Preparation for an Ayahuasca retreat is crucial for a safe and meaningful experience. Start by setting clear intentions for your journey.

Follow the recommended dietary guidelines, which typically involve avoiding certain foods, alcohol, and drugs for at least a week before the retreat.

Practice meditation or other mindfulness techniques to cultivate a calm and open mindset.

It's important to be honest during the medical screening process, disclosing all health conditions and medications.

Emotionally, prepare yourself for potentially challenging experiences by reflecting on your life and what you hope to address.

It's best to reduce stress in your life leading up to the retreat and arrive with an open, respectful attitude.

Integration refers to the process of making sense of your Ayahuasca experience and incorporating the insights gained into your daily life.

It's a crucial phase that begins after the ceremony and can continue for weeks or months.

During integration, you process the often intense and symbolic experiences from the ceremony, working to understand their personal significance.

This might involve journaling, talking with a therapist or integration coach, practicing meditation, or making lifestyle changes.

Effective integration helps maintain the positive changes initiated during the retreat and continues the healing process.

Without proper integration, the insights and benefits from the ayahuasca experience may fade over time.

That's why we provide integration support and resources to help participants navigate this important phase of their journey.

Yes, we actively work with and support indigenous communities who have traditionally used ayahuasca.

We collaborate closely with indigenous medicine carriers, incorporating their wisdom and traditional practices into our retreats while adapting to a Western context.

This collaboration ensures authenticity in our ceremonies and honors the cultural roots of Ayahuasca.

We're committed to reciprocity, providing fair compensation and support to these communities.

We also educate our participants about the cultural significance of ayahuasca and the importance of respecting indigenous traditions.

Our goal is to bridge cultural understanding and support the preservation of traditional knowledge while offering healing experiences to our participants.